Located just outside of the town centre is Viables Craft Centre. Here you’ll find a selection of fantastic small businesses in workshop style buildings, a tea room, a community centre and Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society and much more!

Read on to find out more about the businesses located there and visit their websites to check shop opening times. We can highly recommend the Parlour Tea Rooms and the kids will enjoy making a creation at Pots2Paint or a visit to the model railway, open at various times of the year.

Make sure you plan to visit!

The Parlour Tearoom

A family run traditional English tearoom located inside a beautiful old milking parlour with a true homestyle feel.  The Parlour Tearoom prides itself on homemade cakes and scones which are baked in house everyday by their wonderful team, as well as serving a variety of freshly made to order afternoon teas and light lunches. From the quaint and quirky interior to the vintage china cups they aim to give you their very own take on traditional afternoon tea.

It’s the perfect place to meet with friends, celebrate with loved ones or to enjoy a homemade cream tea.

Founded back in 2010, this tearoom has grown both in both size and popularity and gone on to achieve a multi award-winning status.

Ma Humbugs

Step back in time with Ma Humbugs traditional sweet shop. You’ll find an array of sweets including sherbet lemons, strawberry bon bons and pear drops and not forgetting homemade fudge. They are displayed in old fashioned jars and measured out at the counter.  If you are looking for personalised party bags or gift boxes then pop in or drop them a line as they can help.

Petra Jewellery

Petra Jewellery offers jewellery repairs, restoration and remodelling along with bespoke commissions. They help people design their own engagement, wedding and eternity rings. They offer free design consultations either face to face at their workshop or via Zoom.

Cake the Biscuit

Cake the Biscuit creates bespoke cakes for all occasions along with biscuits, cupcakes and supplying corporate events. If you fancy trying your hand at cake decorating, check out one of their workshops.

Natural Beauty

If you are looking for a bit of pampering, then take a look at Natural Beauty Salon. They offer a range of treatments for the hands or feet and an array of massages. They also cater for mums to be, new mums and men.  If you feel like treating a friend or loved one, they offer gift vouchers too.

The Wonderland gift boutique 

The Wonderland gift boutique is an independent gift shop situated at Viables Craft Centre. It curates well chosen and unique gifts and also makes hand made cards. A great collection of handbags, scarves and jewellery also make it a great place to treat yourself! The perfect place to find a unique gift. 

Absolute Roses 

Head down to Absolute Roses and choose a rose gift that is both beautiful and uniquely special. Hand crafted and made to last, they are perfect for yourself or your loved ones for every occasion! There are so many different variations of red rose bears and other adorable animals. 

Turtle Tarot Emporium 

If you are looking for something spiritual, The Turtle Tarot Emporium was founded in 2010 and opened its first shop in July 2024. It is a holistic shop selling crystals, tarot cards, books, incense, spell candles, journals and decor items such as wall hangings and other homeware items. They mindfully source products, with sustainability playing a key role in their decisions, whilst making sure that they are high quality at a great price. 

The business also offers a range of workshops and classes, so if you are a crystal novice or an experienced spiritualist there something special to experience or purchase for everyone.

Les Jolies Choses

Les Jolies Choses is a small independent lifestyle shop which sells an increasing range of eco-friendly and recycled products and items sourced from local and other British artisans.  You will also find a range of homewares and soft furnishings which change regularly, and items of painted furniture.

Pots2Paint

Head to Pots2Paint to entertain the kids. They can create something unique from a variety of bisque items. After creating a masterpiece or using baby prints the items are glazed and fired for collection on another day. Also a great activity for hen-dos, baby showers or kids parties.

Strawberry Fields

Run by Carol Gibbs, a professional portrait and landscape artist, you’ll find original painting and art classes and workshops at the Strawberry Fields Art Studio, Viables Craft Centre. Carol works with a range of media including watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel and pencil.

Sewfistication

Sewfistication is a fashion design and dressmaking business located at the Viables Craft Centre where owner and designer Sharon specialises in creating unique one of a kind garments. Sharon also teaches dressmaking classes at the Viables Community Centre and can offer one-to-one tuition.

Viables Community Centre

Viables Community Centre is a hub with lots going on. You’ll find lots of things to join in with and space to hire for events. Follow their Facebook page to be kept up to date.

Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society

Founded back in 1979, the Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society has always been based at Viables Craft Centre. Those interested in joining the society can contact them here. They offer public running days throughout the year for people to go along and enjoy a ride on one of the trains.

Viables Craft Centre is signposted from the M3 at Junction 6. When you arrive you will find FREE parking including disabled space and toilets and baby changing facilities. For more about Viables Craft Centre visit their website or take a look at the fabulous photos on their Instagram page.